Optical Module Heat Dissipater Assembly for Fanless Radio Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pluggable optical modules in remote radio units are susceptible to high temperatures due to lack of airflow and proximity to high-temperature components, exceeding their operating range, which limits their deployment in certain environments.
Innovation Solution
A heat dissipater assembly comprising a dissipater body with heat dissipation structures and an electrical extender that houses the optical module, allowing for thermal communication and electrical connection while maintaining a seal and electromagnetic interference shielding, facilitating heat dissipation to the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If optical modules are installed in remote radio units without fans, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature of optical modules increases beyond acceptable operating ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical module from the main radio unit enclosure and places it in a separate heat dissipater assembly. This allows the optical module to be thermally isolated from high-temperature components while maintaining electrical connection, solving the temperature issue without adding fans to the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipater assembly acts as an intermediary between the optical module and the radio unit. It provides thermal communication pathways for heat dissipation while maintaining electrical connection, serving as a mediator that resolves the temperature conflict without requiring active cooling.
2Device complexity
If optical modules are positioned close to high-temperature components for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature of optical modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is extracted from proximity to high-temperature components by placing it in a separate heat dissipater assembly. This spatial separation reduces thermal exposure while maintaining functional integration through electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two functional parts: the radio unit and the heat dissipater assembly. This segmentation allows thermal management to be handled separately from the main unit, protecting the optical module from harmful thermal effects.
3Temperature
If the optical module is thermally isolated from the radio unit, then the temperature is reduced, but electrical connection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipater assembly serves as an intermediary that simultaneously handles both thermal and electrical functions. It provides thermal isolation while incorporating electrical connection mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between thermal management and electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipater assembly merges thermal management and electrical connection functions into a single integrated structure. This combination allows the optical module to be thermally isolated while maintaining electrical connectivity without requiring separate systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If pluggable optical modules are used for flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the sensitivity to temperature increases deployment limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The pluggable optical module is extracted into a dedicated heat dissipater assembly, preserving its pluggability and adaptability while providing necessary thermal management. This allows deployment in higher temperature environments without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipater assembly changes the thermal parameters of the optical module's operating environment by providing active heat dissipation pathways. This allows pluggable modules to operate reliably in temperature conditions that would otherwise exceed their specifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively dissipates heat from optical modules, enabling their operation beyond conventional temperature limits and ensuring reliable performance in outdoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
the dissipater body being in thermal communication with the optical module housed within the recess
Implementation Method 2
configured to dissipate heat from the optical module into an environment around the heat dissipator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A heat dissipater assembly (100) for an optical module (120) for a telecommunications unit, such as a radio unit (2), is provided. The heat dissipater assembly (100) comprises: a heat dissipater (200), a first connector portion (220) coupled to the dissipater body (210) and a second connector portion (230) coupled to the dissipater body (210). The heat dissipater (200) comprises: a dissipater body (210) comprising a recess (212) for receiving the optical module (120), such that the optical module (120) is in thermal communication with the dissipater body (210), and one or more heat dissipation structures (214) configured to dissipate heat from the optical module (120) into an environment around the heat dissipater (200). The first connector portion (220) is configured to couple to an optical connector, such that the optical connector is optically connected to the optical module (120) received within the recess (212). The second connector portion (230) is configured to be coupled to the telecommunications unit. The heat dissipater assembly (100) further comprises an electrical extender (110). The electrical extender (110) is configured to be partially received within the heat dissipater (210) and electrically connected to the optical module (120) received within the heat dissipater (200). The electrical extender (110) is configured to electrically connect to the telecommunications unit when the second connector portion (230) is coupled to the telecommunications unit.